IELTS for Nurses: Minimum Scores, Test Format, and Preparation Tips

If you're an international nurse aiming to work in the U.S., proving your English proficiency through the IELTS exam is a key step. Passing the IELTS is required for your U.S. visa, nursing license, and job, as it shows you can communicate effectively in a clinical setting. Feeling nervous? That’s normal! This guide covers the IELTS for nurses, including test format, required scores, and tips to help you feel confident and prepared. Let’s get you closer to your American Dream!  

What is the IELTS for Nurses?  

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a globally recognized standardized test that measures your English skills in four key areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. With over three million tests taken each year and more than 4,000 test centers in 140 countries, it's one of the most popular English proficiency exams for people looking to work, study, or immigrate to an English-speaking country.  

Purpose of IELTS in Nursing Immigration  

Why is the IELTS for nurses so important for working in the U.S.? Effective communication is at the heart of safe patient care. As a nurse, you'll be communicating with patients, their families, and your colleagues every day. Demonstrating strong English skills ensures you understand medical instructions, chart patient information accurately, and build trust with those you care for. 

For international nurses, passing an English proficiency test like the IELTS is a mandatory part of the immigration and licensure process. If you're applying for an EB-3 visa, which offers a path to U.S. Permanent Residency, you'll need to pass both the NCLEX and an English exam. Many state boards of nursing also require it before they issue you a license to practice.  

For international nurses, the IELTS Academic is required for U.S. licensure and/or the Visa Screen  

Minimum IELTS Scores for Nurses  

Understanding the required IELTS score for U.S. nurses can feel confusing because it may differ based on visa requirements, state Boards of Nursing, and even employers. Here’s the simple breakdown.  

For the VisaScreen, which is required for U.S. immigration, the minimum IELTS score is an overall 6.5 with a 7.0 in Speaking. This requirement applies nationwide and must be met for the visa process.  

In most state Boards of Nursing, these same VisaScreen scores are also accepted for licensure. However, a few states require a minimum score of 6.0 in all subtests, so requirements can vary slightly by state.  

Because rules can change, it’s always important to check the official website of the Board of Nursing in the state where you plan to work to confirm the exact score requirements.  

Some employers may also set higher English proficiency standards, especially in competitive locations or for specialized roles. A hospital may require a higher IELTS score than what is required by the state board or for the VisaScreen—so always be sure to ask during the job application process.  

AMN offers sponsored English exam preparation through 9.0 Niners to help set you up for success from the start.  

What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Minimum Score?  

First—don’t panic. Many nurses don’t pass on the first attempt, and that’s okay. There is no limit to how many times you can take the IELTS.  

Your score report will show how you performed in each section so you can see exactly where to focus. Use it as a roadmap for your next steps, lean into your English support, and retake the exam when you’re ready. Each attempt brings you closer to your goal.  

IELTS Test Format for Nurses  

The IELTS Academic test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. It's divided into four sections, designed to test all aspects of your English skills. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are all taken on the same day, one after the other, with no breaks. The Speaking test might be on the same day or within a week before or after your main test day.  

Listening Section  

• Duration: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer answers) 
• Format: You'll listen to four different recordings of native English speakers and answer 40 questions. The recordings include a mix of conversations and monologues on every day and academic topics. 
• Objective: This section tests your ability to understand the main ideas, specific details, and opinions of the speakers.  

Reading Section  

• Duration: 60 minutes  
• Format: You'll read three long passages from books, journals, and newspapers. These texts are academic in nature, but written for a non-specialist audience. You'll then answer 40 questions based on these texts.  
• Objective: This part assesses your ability to understand the main points, details, and arguments in a text.  

Writing Section  

• Duration: 60 minutes  
• Format: This section has two tasks.  
• Task 1: You'll be presented with a graph, chart, table, or diagram and asked to describe or summarize the information in at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this.
• Task 2: You'll write an essay of at least 250 words in response to a point of view or argument. Task 2 is worth more marks, so you should spend about 40 minutes on it. 
• Objective: This evaluates your ability to write a structured response, organize your ideas, and use a variety of vocabulary and grammar.  

Speaking Section  

• Duration: 11-14 minutes 
• Format: This is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It has three parts: 
• Part 1: The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and familiar topics like your home, family, or studies. 
• Part 2: You'll be given a card with a topic and have one minute to prepare before speaking about it for one to two minutes. 
• Part 3: The examiner will ask you more in-depth questions related to the topic from Part 2. 
• Objective: This section tests your ability to communicate your opinions, speak fluently and coherently, and discuss more abstract ideas. 

How IELTS Fits into the U.S. Immigration Process 

The IELTS exam for nurses is a critical component of your immigration journey. Let's look at how it connects with other important steps, like the VisaScreen and the NCLEX.  

VisaScreen & Required IELTS Scores  

If you’re pursuing a U.S. work visa as a healthcare professional, the VisaScreen Certificate through CGFNS is required. This certificate confirms that your education, license, and English proficiency meet U.S. standards, and you cannot move forward in the immigration process without it.  

For the VisaScreen, the required IELTS score is an overall 6.5, with a minimum 7.0 in Speaking. This is a mandatory requirement for the visa.  

Employer Sponsorship and Immigration Steps  

Most international nurses come to the U.S. through employer sponsorship with a hospital or healthcare facility agreeing to sponsor your employment-based visa (like the EB-3 visa). As part of this process, your sponsor will need to see that you've met all the requirements, including passing the IELTS and the NCLEX. Your IELTS score is a key piece of your application package that demonstrates you're ready to work in a U.S. healthcare setting.  

Interaction with the NCLEX Timeline  

The NCLEX is the licensure exam that all nurses must pass to practice in the United States. You can often choose which exam to take first, the IELTS or the NCLEX. Many nurses find it helpful to tackle the IELTS first. Securing your required IELTS score early on can boost your confidence and allow you to focus entirely on studying for the NCLEX. Since your IELTS score is valid for two years, you have a good window of time to pass the NCLEX and complete the rest of your immigration steps.  

IELTS Preparation Tips for Nurses  

Preparing for the IELTS takes focus, consistency, and practice—especially while balancing work, family, and everything in between. The good news is that steady, daily effort truly adds up.  

Stay consistent with your English review. Working through your study program regularly will keep you moving forward and building confidence.  

Practice speaking in English as often as you can. Talk with friends, coworkers, or family. Even short daily conversations make a big difference over time.  

Submit your writing for corrections. Feedback helps you improve faster and strengthens the areas that need the most work.  

Complete mock exams. Practice tests build confidence, improve time management, and help reduce test-day nerves.  

Take advantage of 1:1 coaching when it’s available. Speaking and listening sessions provide real-time support—and this is included through 9.0 Niners.  

IELTS Alternatives for Nurses  

While the IELTS is one of the most common English proficiency exams, it's not the only option. Some state boards and immigration authorities also accept scores from other standardized tests. The most common alternative for healthcare professionals is the Occupational English Test (OET).  

The OET is designed specifically for healthcare professionals and uses real healthcare scenarios in its test materials. Many nurses find the OET more relevant to their profession. Check with your state board of nursing and CGFNS to see if they accept the OET as an alternative to the IELTS.  

How AMN Healthcare International Can Help  

We know the journey to becoming a U.S. nurse can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. At AMN Healthcare International, our team is here to support you every step of the way, with real guidance, real people, and real accountability throughout your process.  

From day one, you’ll receive direct English support to help you pass your exam, along with guidance through licensure, VisaScreen, immigration, and job placement. We provide the tools, resources, and around-the-clock encouragement nurses need to stay on track and succeed—so you can stay focused on becoming the best nurse possible in the U.S.  

If you’re ready to move forward with confidence, our team at AMN Healthcare International is here to guide you every step of the way.